World Cup 2026 – Round of 32: Africa left to rue missed opportunities

04.07.26 FT World Cup

Canada

0

:

Morocco

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The disappointment is immense for Africa. After making history by sending nine out of ten representatives to the Round of 32 at the World Cup, the continent saw four of its teams eliminated in heart-breaking fashion.

Top marks for the Atlas Lions

So far, only Morocco has punched its ticket to the Round of 16, knocking out the Netherlands on penalties. Trailing on the scoreboard, the Atlas Lions forced extra time thanks to a late goal from Issa Diop, before prevailing in the shootout.

The script was flipped for Africa’s other representatives, starting with South Africa, who were edged out by Canada 1-0 at the death. Bafana Bafana conceded to a Stephen Eustaquio goal in the 90+2nd minute, just as Hugo Broos was already preparing for extra time.

Senegal, Ivory Coast and DR Congo could have done better

So impressive until now, the Elephants could have knocked out Norway with a bit more maturity. Amad Diallo (74’) answered Antonio Nusa’s opener (39’), but the naivety of the Ivorian defense proved costly. Erling Haaland struck in the 68th minute, ending Emerse Faé’s side’s campaign. While they bow out with heads held high after reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history, Ivorian fans are left with a sense of unfinished business.

On their World Cup knockout debut, DR Congo long believed in an upset against England. Sebastien Desabre’s men led through a Brian Cipenga goal (7’) until the 75th minute, before Harry Kane’s brace turned the game on its head.

The curse of the 86th minute

Like Ivory Coast, DR Congo conceded a second goal in the 86th minute. Harry Kane gave Lionel Mpasi—imperious until then—no chance, ending the Leopards’ dream run. The Congolese put in a great performance, but the result slipped away, coming down to fine margins that left fans with a bitter aftertaste.

Senegal also let slip a victory that was within their grasp against Belgium. Sadio Mané and his teammates were leading 2-0 until the 86th minute, when Romelu Lukaku sparked a Red Devils comeback. Youri Tielemans equalized in the 89th before netting the winner from the spot in stoppage time of the second half of extra time (120+5’).

Four African teams still in the hunt

Besides Morocco, already through to the last 16 and set to face Canada, four African sides remain in contention in the Round of 32. Egypt looks to have the most favorable draw, taking on Australia.

Cape Verde, Algeria, and Ghana will need to produce something special to overcome Argentina, Switzerland, and Colombia, respectively.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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